Shipwreck Databases Western Australian Museum

The Long Jetty: a case study in salvage archaeology

Author/s D. Garratt

Year of publication 1990

Report Number: 57

Abstract
In July 1984 the Western Australian Maritime Museum became aware of plans to build a marina in the vicinity of the Long Jetty. Challenger Harbour (as it was named),was designed for the yachts of the contenders for the America's Cup Challenge in 1987.

The plans showed that a significant portion of the visible remains of the jetty would be covered by the northern groyne of the new harbour. The Museum instigated an immediate assessment of the impact of the harbour works on the jetty area.

A budget of $2,000AUS was allocated and the expected time to the beginning of construction was one month. The aims of the project were to map the remaining jetty sttucture, ascertain the spread of material and to gauge the extent to which it would be covered or disturbed by the development. A representative sample of material from the threatened area was plotted on the site plan and raised by museum divers.

These artifacts were later catalogued, conserved and prepared for display for public information and study purposes. Due to the enhanced public awareness created by the Long Jetty display, pressure was brought to bear to force the realignment of the harbour works so that all but a small section would be affected.